Breathtaking Bali

Here’s a warning: Once you return home after visiting Bali, be prepared for a Bali hangover (a good one) or Bali blues because that’s what happened to me. When we think of Bali, the first word that comes to our mind is ‘beautiful’ and it truly is, as I recently explored this breathtaking island. Indonesia is home to over 13,000 islands and Bali is the most sought after for travellers across the globe, ticking all the check boxes that make it a great travel, vacation and a wedding destination. Bali has only two seasons — monsoons (October to April) and the dry season (May to September), and the best time to visit is during the latter.

Bali’s natural beauty, rich tradition and culture, culinary offerings, man-made attractions get etched in your mind, cherishing experiences and memories for a long time to come. Here’s a sneak peek into why you should add Bali on your must-see places to visit and vacay...

Beautiful temples

Though Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim country, over 85 per cent of the population in Bali follows Hinduism, as a result there are numerous beautiful temples and huge statues of characters from Hindu mythology that adorn the streets across the island. Of all the popular temples in Bali, I visited the Tanha Lot and the Uluwatu temple. Located at scenic beaches and beautiful architecture, no wonder they’re such a hit among locals and foreigners alike.

Kecak Dance

The hour-long Kecak Dance that takes places daily at 6 pm (arrive earlier to buy your tickets) at the Uluwatu Temple amphitheater is a spectacle to be experienced. This one-of-a-kind performance is a combination of impressive storytelling, acappella, musical drama with traditional dance, elaborate costumes, and some fireworks. It’s a depiction of scenes from the Ramayana of Prince Rama, Sita’s abduction by Ravana, and a duel where Vanara (white monkey) helps Rama fight Ravana, thus, rescuing Sita. The real star of this dance are the bare-chested male Kecak singers who keep chanting, as if in a trance, and Vanara who steals the show with his fight sequences and antics leaving the audience in splits.

Shop for handicrafts

Bali is a shopaholic’s paradise whether it’s luxury, high street (there are huge malls) or street shopping. But it’s the street shopping that spoils one for choices. All over the island, streets are lined with stalls and shops (tip: sharpen your bargaining skills) selling Western and traditional clothes, accessories, footwear, souvenirs, art work, wooden and stone carvings, statues, wall art, glassware, home decor articles, etc. Bali is renowned for talented local artisans for Batik printing in the village of Batubulan, making all sorts of handicrafts, as well as gold and silver jewelry in the village of Celuk.

Gastronomical delights

Eating out in Bali is a foodie’s dream come true! Especially because of the sheer variety of the local Balinese and Indonesian cuisine that’s so unique to this place. There’s good vegetarian fare and if you’re a non-vegetarian (especially beef and pork lover), it’s party time for your taste buds. The island is exploding with restaurants catering to every palate, including popular American fast food chains. But I strongly recommend tucking into as many local foods as you can, like Pisang Goreng (banana fritters) with palm sugar, Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Sate (satay), Jukut Kelor Mesanten (Moringa leaves in a coconut soup), traditional sweet drinks as well as alcoholic beverages and fruits like Mangosteen, Durian, Snakefruit, Dragonfruit, etc.

If you have a sweet tooth, get your sugar fix (desserts are eaten for breakfast too) on a spread of traditional desserts. I recommend Laklak (mini rice cakes with sweetened grated coconut on top), Jaja Batun Bedil (sticky rice served with grated coconut and palm sugar), Pisang Rai (steamed banana served with grated coconut and palm sugar). Seafood lovers can relish a lip-smacking feast and couples can enjoy romantic dinners in the Jimbaran Bay area. Some of the restaurants I feasted at include Nusantara (by Locavore) in Ubud Market (I had my best meal here), Jimbaran Bay Seafood, Waroeng Dadong in Kuta, and if you’re feeling homesick, then head to Queens of India in Kuta for desi fare. Also, check out the various supermarkets to shop for a variety of local snacks and goodies to try and take back home.

Bali Pulina Coffee plantation

Coffee and tea lovers can  visit the picturesque Bali Pulina coffee plantation, and stroll through the lush green estate. Get a lesson in how coffee beans are processed, including the most expensive coffee in the world — Kopi Luwak (coffee that includes part-digested coffee cherries eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet). Visitors can sample a variety of teas and coffees along with desserts and you can shop for premium quality coffees and teas here as well.

Island of Nusa Penida

My visit to the island of Nusa Penida (which is a part of the Bali province), was the zenith of my Bali trip. The stunning view of the Kelingking Beach, and the tip of the island which looks similar to a T-Rex’s head and a neighbouring mini island is breathtaking to say the least. You cannot leave Bali without experiencing what this hidden gem of an island has to offer.

Beach Resorts

Bali boasts of several beach resorts (you’ll have a tough time deciding which one to choose) and staying at one enhances your trip to Bali by several notches. I stayed at The Anvaya Beach Resort in Kuta. The sprawling resort makes you want to laze around the property and revel in its bliss. But if you’re in the mood to let your hair down, and a great nightlife is what you seek, then there are some great nightclubs nearby.

Snorkelling at Crystal Bay 

The island of Nusa Penida is home to Manta Bay and Crystal Bay, which is the place for diving and snorkelling with its crystal clear water and jaw-dropping sights of the coral reef, its flora and fauna below should definitely feature on your to-do list.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Besides natural beauty, the extensive GWK Park in Nusa Dua, has huge metal sculptures of Garuda, and Lord Vishnu, a chance to watch traditional dances and get a slice of Balinese culture and heritage. The spacious Jendela Bali restaurant here, offers a panoramic view of Bali. Currently, at GWK Park is an ongoing construction of the massive copper and brass sculpture of Lord Wisnu alongside the mythical bird Garuda measuring 276 metres above sea level (as told by our guide) and will be the world’s tallest statue on its expected completion towards the end of 2018. Watch out for this one folks!

Go spa hopping

A visit to Bali is incomplete without treating your body to some great massages. After all that sightseeing, heavy-duty shopping and wolfing down local delicacies, your body needs some TLC. Pamper your body and mind at the numerous spas offering a range of traditional massages, spa, beauty, relaxation and rejuvenation therapies. Your body is going to thank you profusely for these treats.

FAM trip organised by Vito India